There are at least four (4) free Directory Assistance (Information) numbers. Try them all to see which one you prefer. They can be used from any phone. You may want to add one or more to your speed dial on your cell phone and at home.

1-800-GooG411 (1-800-466-4411) is provided by, yes, you guessed it---Google. GOOG-411 is available in the US and Canada for US and Canadian business listings. You can't look up your friend's residential phone number.

1-800-555-TELL (1-800-555-8355) is a provided by Tellme, a Microsoft subsidiary. This, too, is only business listings, but it also provides a whole lot more---stock quotes, news, sports, entertainment (movie listings), and travel. You can download the application to your Blackberry (I don't believe other phones are supported yet).

1-800-YellowPages (1-800-935-5697) is provided by AT&T. It is free directory assistance for all 50 states. It covers business, government, and residential listings. You must listen to a 5 to 10 second ad.

1-800-FREE411 (1-800-373-3411) is provided by Jingle Networks. It covers business, government, and residential listings. You must listen to a 10 second commercial from one of their advertisers. You can also visit their website: http://www.free411.com/ to look up any phone number. International is not supported yet.

ENJOY. Please let me know what you think. Also, please post any corrections you find while experimenting with these services. Thanks!

Barbara Jennesstakes joy in assisting people in buying or selling their home or land in northeast Florida (St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and Jacksonville). She is a community activist and leader serving as President of Friends of A1A 2008-2010, Past President of Scenic & Historic A1A in St. Johns County for over 10 years, and past vice-president of Vilano Beach Main Street (North Shores Improvement Association). She is a past president for WCR in St. Augustine and a member of South Ponte Vedra Civic Association, Porpoise Point,Serenata Beach Club, and Palencia. She founded and is a Past President of the St. Augustine Regional Council (StAR Council)to promote the St. Augustine area to individuals outside the region.

Awards: REALTOR of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, SPIRIT Award Passion, Five-Star Best in Client Satisfaction-7 Years Winner